by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 1, 2022
Bobby Costello, who oversaw the U.S. silver medal team at the eventing world championships in November on an interim basis, has been named technical advisor/chef d’equipe for the U.S. Equestrian Federation’s eventing program.
“I’ve been involved in the sport beginning with my first competition at the age of 12 and have been privileged to wear many different hats within the sport ever since,” said Bobby, who was eighth individually in the 2000 Olympics.
Bobby Costello in action during his competition days. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
“Being interim chef for the last seven months has left me with a clear idea of what is necessary in supporting our athletes in producing more exciting medal-winning performances for the U.S.
“As we look toward the Paris Olympic Games 20 months from now, I look forward to getting right to work collaborating with our top athletes, owners, grooms, and USEF staff.”
Also on the horizon is the 2028 Olympics, which takes on even more important than usual for the U.S. because it will be in Los Angeles. All the Olympic disciplines and those involved with the paralympics already are making plans for a great showing in 2028.
USEF CEO Bill Moroney said, “Bobby has demonstrated his ability to lead the U.S. Eventing Elite Team by engaging athletes, coaches, owners, and support personnel; fostering a positive team environment and ensuring integrity and excellence throughout the program.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 1, 2022
The National Western Stock Show’s grand marshal for its 2023 kick-off parade is author, speaker and professor of animal science, Temple Grandin.
On Jan. 5, she will lead the traditional drive of Longhorn cattle, horses, and western wagons through the streets of downtown Denver to celebrate the start of the 117th National Western Stock Show. The parade begins at noon outside Union Station and marches 12 blocks down 17th Street to Glenarm Place.
“It is a great honor to have a legend, visionary and dedicated animal scientist like Dr. Grandin kicking off our Stock Show parade,” said Paul Andrews, president & CEO of the National Western Stock Show.
“The impact Temple has had on the welfare of livestock, the science of animals, and her unique approach to equine therapy for both horse and human is unprecedented in today’s world,” said Paul.
“We are beyond grateful that Temple continues to educate the youth of America as a professor at Colorado State University, author, and speaker. She embodies the values of agricultural education on which the Stock Show is founded.”
Temple Grandin is an autistic savant who is a prominent author and speaker on autism and animal behavior and a professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University. Her successful career includes consulting for livestock producers and the agriculture industry on her intuitive approach to handling livestock.
Temple’s innovative equipment design that focuses on the welfare of the animals has been instrumental in implementing animal welfare auditing programs used by McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Whole Foods, and other companies. Temple has shared her insights on numerous TV shows. Her books, Animals in Translation and Visual Thinking, have been on the New York Times Bestseller List. Temple was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame and in 2022, named a Colorado State University Distinguished Professor.
“I am honored to be the Stock Show parade grand marshal,” said Temple.
“I encourage everybody to visit the Stock Show and see all the animals. The National Western is an ideal place where kids can get off their electronic devices and discover that real animals are more interesting. I also want to invite everyone to visit the new Temple Grandin Equine Center at the CSU Spur Vida building while at Stock Show.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 24, 2022
The FEI (international equestrian federation) will consider bids for the World Equestrian Games to be held in 2026.
The last WEG was staged in 2018 in Tryon, N.C., amid all kinds of problems (an aborted endurance race, a weather-cancelled dressage freestyle, continuing construction). The world championships cycle this year included two major joint competitions; dressage, para dressage, vaulting and show jumping in Herning, Denmark, during August, then eventing and four-in-hand driving at Pratoni del Vivaro, Italy, last month.
While bids may be submitted for a WEG, the FEI is also accepting bids for other world championships, whether solo or in a group (although dressage and para dressage must be run together).
The show jumping podium at the 2018 WEG: USA gold, Sweden silver, Germany bronze. (Photo © 2018 by Nancy Jaffer)
The opening date for expressions of interest in a world championship or championships is Oct. 24. The deadline for formal submission of bids is April 14, 2023. Allocation of bids will be made in June 2023.
The WEG ran for the first time in 1990 in what was supposed to be a one-off celebration of multiple disciplines in Stockholm, Sweden. It was so successful that it continued to run every four years through 2018. Finding a location that can host all disciplines is difficult, however, since each has a variety of needs, and running the WEG is exceedingly expensive for the host.
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 9, 2022
Are you looking for tack, horse blankets, boots, breeches, knick-knacks or other equestrian items?
Go to Mane Stream’s sale at 83 Old Turnpike, Oldwick. It will be held from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 6. Before then, drop off your items or call for a pick-up. Contact Jen at (908) 439-9636 or email to jen@manestreamnj.org.
Proceeds go toward Mane Stream’s mission to improve the quality of life for individuals with physical, developmental, emotional and medical challenges through a diverse program of equine assisted activities, therapy services and educational initiatives.
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 26, 2022
Joey Norick will take a new position at HITS, working as chief customer officer, focusing on the needs of owners, trainers, vendors and exhibitors, and being responsible for the customer experience.
His appointment reflects the consumer-oriented philosophy of Traub Capital Partners, the owners of HITS, which is making continued improvements to all six venues, as well as elevating the level of service and experience for the exhibitors.
“Equestrian sports are constantly evolving, and I am looking forward to working with the HITS team to exceed expectations of all of our exhibitors,” said Joey.
“My vision to enhance our facilities includes improving the drainage and footing in our competition areas, as well as upgrading our amenities, such as food services, exhibitor hospitality locations and even restrooms. We will be working to create a friendly, relaxed atmosphere at every HITS venue for every HITS customer.”
He began training with Ralph Caristo on Long Island and then headed to California to continue his career at Foxfield Riding Club. A stint with Sam and Libby Edelman’s S&L Farms in North Salem, NY and Wellington, Fla., was the next step.
He went into horse sales and then the equine insurance business. He oversees a portfolio of farm and ranch properties, equine mortality and high net worth clients for Alliant Private Client, where he will continue to serve as an advisor.
“We are excited to partner with Joe, a clear thought leader in the equestrian world,” said Geoff Lurie, HITS’ interim CEO and managing partner of Traub Capital Partners.
“Joe’s long history and expertise in the industry, coupled with his dedication to customer experience, align with our philosophy and approach. We look forward to his contributions in helping the HITS team elevate the company’s position in the equestrian world.”
HITS revolutionized the industry when it produced three of what were then the richest grands prix in the world. HITS expects 65,000 horses to compete at its shows, which include 60 weeks of sanctioned Hunter/Jumper competitions at HITS’ six venues. HITS also offers six weeks of dressage.For more information, go to http://www.hitsshows.com
Traub Capital Partners is a New York-based strategic private equity firm specializing in building value in consumer companies using its unique combination of investment, strategic and operational expertise, as well as a culture-led, engaged approach. The fund targets investments in companies with revenue between $50 and $250 million.
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 29, 2022
Alice Tarjan of Oldwick, N.J., took her second FEI Dressage World Cup Finals qualifying freestyle in a month as she won the Freestyle competition at the Tryon, N.C., show today with Serenade MF.
She was marked at 75 percent over the show’s Grand Prix winner, Julio Mendoza Loor of Ecuador on Jewel’s Goldstrike (74.185). They were the only competitors in the four-horse class to break 70 percent.
Alice also won the freestyle during Dressage at Devon at the beginning of October. She and Serenade were the alternates for the FEI World Dressage Championships last summer.
Alice and Serenade at Devon. (Photo © 2022 by Nancy Jaffer)
While Alice will have to continue competing her U.S.-bred mare through the winter in order to earn one of the three North American slots for the finals in Omaha April 4-8, those who want to attend the Cup as spectators will have an easier time of securing their place at the Chi Health Center.
The usual show jumping and dressage competitions will be joined this time by vaulting, gymnastics on horseback that is a real crowd pleaser, with its costumes and music in the final rounds.
Omaha put on a heck of a show the last time it hosted the finals in 2017. Next year’s finals will be the first in the U.S. since then, because the 2020 finals scheduled for Las Vegas were cancelled due to Covid.
Some of the biggest names can be expected to compete, such as the 2017 winner, Isabell Werth in dressage and McLain Ward in show jumping.
Seating is limited, so if you want to go, this is the time to buy a ticket and reserve a hotel.
Click on this link for more information.
